Natural Awakenings Chicago ~ May 2022

Volunteers Needed for Annual Chicago Area June Bird Count

For the past 20 years, these surveys have provided vital information for understanding the population trends of the key species. Most importantly, this detailed data is used by forest preserve districts and other land managers to identify their properties’ most critical preservation and restoration needs. Read More »

Whole Food Recipes from Chef AJ's Plant-Based Kitchen

Renowned plant-based lifestyle expert Chef AJ says amazing versatility and health benefits can be found in an oil-, sugar- and salt-free, nutrient-rich, whole-food, plant-based diet. Sample these delicious recipes for Spicy Peanut Noodles with Broccoli and Nutrient-Rich Black Bean Soup this May! Read More »

Body Mind Spirit Expo Comes to Tinley Park

Visitors can share a weekend of shining insights and life-affirming wisdom, and enjoy more than 100 exhibitors offering the latest in natural health, personal growth and metaphysics. Read More »

Celebrating a Pet’s Life and Legacy at Tinley Park Event

Kat Bright, of Pawsitive Spirit, will be presenting a lecture, Pet Bereavement: Celebrating Their Life and Legacy. Read More »

Discover Benefits of Emsculpt Neo at thriveMD Open House - Schaumburg, IL

Thrive MD will host an open house from 4 to 6 p.m., May 4, to introduce the Emsculpt Neo. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared, long-lasting Emsculpt Neo is the first and only non-invasive body shaping procedure that provides simultaneous fat elimination and muscle building in a combined 30-minute session. Read More »

Dr. Montalvo Offers Webinar to Explore Lyme Disease - Forum Health, Wheaton IL

Jessica Montalvo, M.D., of Forum Health Wheaton, a certified tick-borne infections provider, will present an online webinar, Lyme Disease 101, at 7 p.m., May 19, to break down the complex and frustrating nature of Lyme disease and how to heal using an integrative medicine approach. Read More »

Free! Crate Free Illinois App for Locally-sourced Farmers and More

Remember that when buying meat, dairy or eggs from large grocery chains, patrons are likely consuming products from animals that have suffered on factory farms. Read More »

Infinity Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala to Feature Cyndi Dale

A practitioners’ fair with mini-demonstrations and silent auction from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. precedes an elegant dinner at 8 p.m. Read More »

In-Person Judging Returns to Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards

Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards judges will visit city backyards, patios, school lots and more, looking for gardens that best exemplify our citizens’ efforts to make Chicago neighborhoods more beautiful and sustainable. Read More »

Letter from Publisher

Before summer gets here, I encourage you to take in all the wonders that May has to offer. Read More »

National Lymphatic Centers Opens Third Office in Hinsdale, IL

National Lymphatic Centers focuses on hands-on patient care using the Vodder, Foldi and Vogel Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage medical massage, which can be beneficial for those with inflammation, lymphedema, long-haul COVID, detox, cosmetic surgery (including pre-operative care to release tension and fascial restrictions before surgery) and postoperative manual lymphatic drainage medical massage for the best chance of recovery. Read More »

New 21-Day Guided Meditation Available to Raise Personal Awareness

We wish to raise the frequency of this planet, and it all begins with each of us. Low self-esteem is at an all-time high. We are here to remind, uplift, shine and enlighten all who seek to discover their true nature. Read More »

Northeast Illinois Rookeries Show Real Lives of Local Herons, Egrets and Cormorants

Senior wildlife biologist Chris Anchor has been studying rookeries—places where egrets, herons and cormorants nest communally—for decades. Like no other species in the region, these birds offer humans a chance to watch them court, build nests and raise young, says writer Sheryl De Vore. Read More »

Open House Chicago Fair Trade: World Fair Trade Day Celebration

In honor of World Fair Trade Day 2022, Chicago Fair Trade member businesses, organizations and allies are hosting events on May 14 throughout the city to showcase how they support economic and environmental justice. Read More »

Recipe: Spring Lettuce ~ a Gluten-free Healthy Addition to Lunch, from Tiffany Hinton

Lettuce is high in vitamin A, vitamin K and water, and it's in season at Chicago area farmers markets and in our gardens starting this month. Here is an easy and tasty recipe from Tiffany Hinton to enjoy the first fresh, crisp lettuce of the season. Read More »

Save on Proactive Body System Screening for Women’s Health

Clients can save $100 on this comprehensive, half-body, thermography screening for issues that women are most concerned about, including dental, TMJ, thyroid, heart, lymphatic and breast health, as well as signs of imbalanced hormone levels and autoimmune indicators. Read More »

The Mystery of ‘Normal’ Menopause with Dr. Meena Malhotra of Heal n Cure in Glenview

Hormones are important messengers that help keep body systems working smoothly. As these messengers begin to cease function or malfunction through menopause, this presents as a wide variety of chronic conditions, and women begin to feel abnormal even in this “normal” stage of life. Dr. Meena Malhotra of Heal n Cure in Glenview tells us more. Read More »

Vitamin D: the Extraordinary Vitamin

Vitamin D is fundamentally important for the regulation of how our body functions, yet many Chicagoans don't get enough of this powerful vitamin throughout the year. Proper levels can improve blood pressure, depression and low back pain, and help some autoimmune conditions. Dr. Jordan Leasure of Northshore Proactive Health in Libertyville tells us more. Read More »

Will County Forest Preserve District Hosts Spring Migration Celebration

Participants can learn the secrets of these birds’ extraordinary journeys during guided hikes, family activities and presentations. Read More »

Avoid Living Near a Fracking Facility

Those living within one kilometer of one of the country’s 100,000 hydraulic fracturing (fracking) facilities face a higher risk of heart problems, cancer and respiratory disease. Read More »

Deep Talking: Deepening the Dialogue

When the going gets tough in a blended family, an Oprah Winfrey-endorsed dialogue technique known as Imago Therapy can help transform animosity into harmony. Read More »

DIY Salt Scrub with Himalayan Salt and Essential Oils

A sea salt scrub is an easy and inexpensive way to maintain a glowing complexion. Here is a recipe using Himalayan salt that can combine various essential oils. Read More »

Easy Container Gardening: How to Grow Edibles in Pots and Planters

Growing vegetables, flowers and herbs in pots can be cost-effective, inspiring and tailored for any urban balcony or country patio. Read More »

Eat Prunes and Anti-Inflammatory Food to Reduce Bone Loss and Fragility

Research has found that prunes can help counter the bone loss linked to fragility in postmenopausal women. Read More »

Fending Off Fibroids: Natural Approaches Offer Relief

Natural treatments that can minimize symptoms of fibroids and for some, ward off the need for invasive surgery. Read More »

Healthy Breakfast Salad

Start the day out right with this filling breakfast salad recipe, loaded with veggies, eggs and bacon. Read More »

Intermittent Fasting Basics: How to Improve Health by Eating Less Often

By strategically fasting for hours to days, we can eat a wide range of healthy foods while improving our metabolic health, cholesterol markers and insulin levels. Read More »

Jeffrey Bland on Rejuvenating Our Immune System

Known worldwide as the founder of functional medicine, Jeffrey Bland's latest project is Big Bold Health, a company designed to transform the way people think about the immune system. Read More »

Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls

This healthy, flavorful recipe for Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls is packed with protein to keep us satisfied for hours. Read More »

Methane Emissions Grossly Underreported

A recent report found that methane leak emissions from the oil, gas and coal industries are 70 percent higher than official government estimates globally. Read More »

More Bad News for Bumblebees

A study indicates that streptomycin, an antibiotic sprayed on orchard crops to combat bacterial diseases, slows the cognition of bumblebees and reduces their foraging efficiency. Read More »

Mothering the World

Tending to what we love can yield great things, but we must not forget our own needs. Read More »

Pharmaceutical Pollution is Out of Control

A new study has determined that pharmaceutical drugs polluting the world’s rivers pose “a global threat to environmental and human health.” Read More »

Pot Gardening Tips from the Pros

Advice from experts on growing vegetables, fruits and other plants in containers including types of pots and fertilizers to use, best times to plant and more. Read More »

Resilient Mothering: How Moms Are Forging Ahead in a Changing World

How mothers are adapting to life as a parent, employee, partner and friend, while still finding time to practice self-care during the pandemic. Read More »

Saving Birds from Cats: Simple Strategies to Protect Feathered Friends

Domestic felines are the number one human-caused threat to birds in the U.S., but new studies suggest ways to let a cat enjoy the outdoors without endangering winged species. Read More »

Self-Care for Stressed-Out Moms

Here are some practical ways busy moms can incorporate their overall wellness into a daily routine. Read More »

Staying Hydrated: It’s Not Just About Drinking Water

Maintaining proper hydration is one of the most important measures we can take to benefit our health. Read More »

Strategies to Stave Off Fibroids

Experts weigh in on holistic methods for preventing fibroids. Read More »

Take Vitamin D to Protect from Autoimmune Disorders and COVID-19 Severity

Vitamin D can significantly reduce the risk of incurring autoimmune disorders (AD) and may also protect against COVID-19 severity. Read More »

The Blended Family: Tips for Creating a Successful Stepfamily

Therapists and blended-family veterans offer advice for healthy relationships in stepfamilies. Read More »

Trouble in Solar Paradise

Pahrump, Nevada residents are upset that San Francisco-based Candela Renewables wants to build a large-scale solar field across approximately 2,300 acres. Read More »

Try Tai Chi to Boost Neurological Health

Tai chi has been shown to improve balance, reduce falls and enhance the quality of life for people with neurological challenges such as strokes, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Read More »

Western Megadrought Surge Continues

A megadrought is a dry spell that lasts for more than 20 years, and the Southwestern U.S. endured the worst occurrence since at least 800 A.D. in the period from 2000 to 2021. Read More »

Wind Energy Goes Airborne

The use of huge, specialized kites at an altitude of up to a half-mile, where wind currents are the strongest, are helping to harness wind energy. Read More »